Stabilizing elements for mechanically stabilized earthen structure
AssigneeThe Reinforced Earth Company
InventorsPeter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks. Alternative stabilizing element designs may be used with the modular wall blocks and other types of facing elements in a mechanically stabilized earth structure.
Claims11
An improved stabilizing element for use in combination with a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure comprising, in combination:
- first and second generally parallel, horizontal rod members, said first and second rod members spaced from one another by connecting, attached cross members, said first and second rod members each having an inner end for positioning adjacent a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure and an outer end, the inner ends being connected together to define a closed, horizontal loop defining a passage for a fastener through the horizontal loop for connection of the stabilizing element to a facing member.
An improved stabilizing element for use in combination with a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure comprising, in combination:
- first and second generally parallel, horizontal rod members, said first and second rod members spaced from one another by connecting, attached cross members, said first and second rod members each having an inner end for positioning adjacent a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure and an outer end, each of said inner ends formed as a horizontal loop to define a separate passage for positioning a fastener therethrough to connect the stabilizing element to a facing member.
An improved stabilizing element for use in combination with a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure comprising, in combination:
- first and second generally parallel, horizontal rod members, said first and second rod members lying in a horizontal plane and spaced from one another by connecting cross members, each rod member having an inner end for positioning adjacent a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure and an extended outer end for extending into backfill material to engage the backfill material in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure;
- a single horizontal plate member attached to both the first and second rods at the inner ends and connecting the inner ends, said horizontal plate member including a vertical passage therethrough for receipt of a fastener to connect the stabilizing element to a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure.
An improved stabilizing element for use in combination with a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure comprising, in combination:
- first and second generally parallel, horizontal rod members, said first and second rod members spaced from one another by connecting, attached cross members, said first and second rod members each having an inner end for positioning adjacent a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure and an outer end, each of said inner ends formed as a horizontal loop to define a separate passage for positioning a fastener therethrough to connect the stabilizing element to a facing member, said horizontal loops overlying one another to define a pathway for a fastener therethrough.
A stabilizing element in combination with a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure comprising, in combination:
- a facing member having a back surface with a projecting connector, said connector including a vertical passage;
- a stabilizing element including first and second generally parallel, horizontal rod members, said first and second rod members spaced from one another by connecting, attached cross members, said first and second rod members each having an inner end for positioning adjacent a facing member in a mechanically stabilized earthen structure and an outer end, the inner ends being connected together to define a closed, horizontal loop defining a passage for a fastener through the horizontal loop for connection of the stabilizing element to a facing member;
- and
- a fastener comprising a clip member having two, generally parallel, spaced legs connected by a crown, said fastener being inserted into the connector passage and stabilizing element passage to connect the stabilizing element to the facing member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.